Chelsea face Fulham on Thursday evening as Graham Potter’s side aims to return to winning ways. Here is the Chelsea predicted XI vs Fulham.
Chelsea predicted lineup vs Fulham
Kepa Arrizabalaga, No. 1, Goalkeeper
Kepa Arrizabalaga has long since completed his comeback, granted, he didn’t have anything close to a good game against Manchester City in the FA Cup. Edouard Mendy is also injured but even if he wasn’t, he won’t start.
Cesar Azpilicueta, No. 28, Right back
Azpilicueta was rested against Manchester City as he is the only fit right back that is registered to the club. Trevoh Chalobah was tried at right back against Man City, and he kept getting dribbled past.
Benoit Badiashile, No. 4, Centerback
Benoit Badiashile is yet to play a game for Chelsea, but Chelsea fans hope to see him soon and hope he has a magnificent game. Badiashile will likely show many of his great qualities against Fulham like his passing and aerial dominance.
Thiago Silva, No. 6, Centerback
Thiago Silva was definitely rested against Man City because of the Fulham game. He’s currently the best at ball progression and building out from the back.
Marc Cucurella, No. 32, Spain
Marc Cucurella has come under a lot of criticism in the last few weeks, but it’s difficult to know whether it’s people taking their anger at the manager on a player they perceive to be his favorite. Cucurella hasn’t been great (who has?), but he’s also not being horse manure. He’s a very good tackler and passer of the ball, so if he’s doing that then he’s delivering what he’s paid to deliver.
Jorginho, No. 5, Central midfielder
Jorginho hasn’t been good this season, but he’s still needed in games because he seems to be the only one at the club who can play as a siting midfielder who helps the club bring the ball out of the back and distribute
Mateo Kovacic, No. 8, Croatia
Mateo Kovacic was frustrating against Man City and he needs to seriously cut out the unnecessary dribbles as it doesn’t help him or the team.
Denis Zakaria, No. 20, Central midfielder
Denis Zakaria has been Chelsea’s best midfielder in the past few weeks. His defensive work has been impressive. He simply deserves to start over any other midfielder at the moment.
Hakim Ziyech, No. 22, Right winger
Hakim Ziyech has been OK in the last few games, considering the sheer lack of minutes he’s gotten at the club this season. He had a great world Cup, executing the tasks demanded of him impeccably. He had some very good linkup play that was ruined by Mount.
He went off almost exactly the hour-mark. Expect Ziyech to start again. The Moroccan is the only one who came into the team with an actual reputation of being a chance creator by trade.
He’s also the only one that came in having played the role of Chief Creator for a multiple title winning side. Chelsea needs a Chief Creator now, can he be the one?
Carney Chukwuemeka, No. 30, Left winger
Carney Chukwuemeka looked good against Manchester City in the league game last weekend. Many Chelsea fans have reason to be excited about him. He has done a better job of securing a starting spot for the next game, than anyone else vying for his position
Kai Havertz, No. 29, Striker
Kai Havertz is joint top scorer for the Blues in the League this season. He created four chances in the league game against Manchester City. He deserves to start this game.
Will CFC win against Fulham?